should I stay

[hongputaojiu]

Hi guys, a quick question wondering what you would do in this situation.

My situation - live outside China, but this summer now in China total 7 weeks. Main purpose of this trip is to improve Chinese and prepare for HSK4.

I am now in Nanjing. Arrived 10 days ago, found an excellent teacher at Nan Da giving 1 to 1 class, 4hrs day, only 25kuai an hour, already had 8 lessons.

Found out just now that Confucius Insitute sending me to Qingdao for 4 week scholarship language program starting next week. There were approx 15 other people on the list. I am wondering how many will be able to get there at such short notice. If we are all at different levels will they run separate classes? I dont know where everyone else will be level wise. It would kind of suck to lose my great teacher if the Confucius program isnt so good! Has anyone attended one before?

Pluses are no accomodation and study fee in Qingdao, but risk whether or not I will make as much progress as with my 1-1 teacher.

Am I being to fussy?!?

Cheers

hongputaojiu

[jbradfor]

So let's see. 25 kuai/hour * 4 hour/day * 5 day/week * 4 weeks = 2000 kuai.

So going to Qingdao you will save 2000 kuai on tuition, plus whatever you would spend on accommodations?

You would lose 1-on-1 lessons, and have some group class, so you will probably learn slower. [Assuming you are self motivated enough, which it sounds like you are.]

Is it worth it? I can't speak for your financial situation, so you'll need to decide.

The other thing to take into account is whether you want a change for a while. Learn about a different city, get a different perspective in China, be in a different learning environment. To me, that is the most important factor. If you are happy where you are, stay. If you want to try something different for 4 weeks (it's only 4 weeks), go.